WRITE a master list of what you need and stick to it, ticking things off as you go.
Ignore expensive temptations like luxury chocolates.
Look out for special offers and own-label food, such as mince pies, puddings, in the supermarket.
Sometimes buying late can save money – but avoid that option for must-have items like the turke
y.
Prepare vegetables now and freeze to avoid the expense of ready-prepared packets.
Even if you are loyal to one supermarket it may pay to shop around for special offers on items such as alcohol.
Consider discount stores for purchases of bulky items to see you over a holiday.
Be realistic.
Don't fritter money on "traditional treats" your family usually ignore.
If they don't eat dates and walnuts during the year they're unlikely to start at Christmas.
l You are what you eat – but these days it's becoming increasingly difficult to know what you are eating.
The spectre of bird flu is hovering over the traditional Christmas turkey; there are warnings over pesticides and chemicals on fruit and veg.
So do we take these scares with a pinch of (low-sodium) salt, or should we be really worried?
Brigid McKevith, senior nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, says there's no need to switch to nut roast for fear of infection.
"The risk would be extremely, extremely low, especially as it's usually people living with the birds who are affected.
"The chance of the disease being in British chickens or turkeys is very low, anyway."
If you're really worried, Ms McKevith says cooking the bird thoroughly will ensure complete safety.
"I think people can enjoy their turkey without worrying."
